Winter Park’s charming tree-lined streets date back to the 1880s when wealthy Northerners came south to escape the winter’s chill. A former playground for New Yorkers, the town’s most famous areas are a nod to its roots with names like Central Park and Park Avenue, where you’ll find our latest Saatva Viewing Room.
Known for its peaceful gardens, stately lakeside homes, and fascinating museums, this Orlando suburb is an ideal escape. Here are picks for where to eat, shop, and visit in Winter Park, Florida.
Where to shop
Saatva Viewing Room
Shopping at our Viewing Room in Winter Park is relaxed and stress-free, just like the area itself. Handcrafted and assembled in America, our luxury mattresses feel as good as they look. Swing by Saatva’s new store and see for yourself in our high-tech, pressure-free space. Once you find the perfect fit, we’ll hand-deliver it to your door, free of charge.
Saatva Winter Park: 501 South Park Ave
Sultre
Owning a clothing store has been a lifelong dream for local Traci Kabran Rodriguez. It became a reality in 2005 and has been one of Winter Park’s most beloved boutiques ever since. Residents and vacationers come here to pick up the latest in bathing suits, jeans, and coveted little black dresses.
Sultre: 290 North Park Ave
Gasp
It’s impossible to miss this hot pink building off Park Ave. Spreading smiles throughout Winter Park, it’s an ideal gift shop for youngins’ and the young at heart. Stop in for sassy candles, clever cards, and crazy cute ceramics.
Gasp: 106 East Canton Ave
Ten Thousand Villages
This gift store is a melting pot of artisan crafts from 38 countries around the world. A nationwide non-profit store, it’s all about showcasing handmade fair-trade products, including jewelry from Latin America, pottery from Africa, and bags from Asia.
Ten Thousand Villages: 329 N Park Ave #102
Rifle Paper Company
Like something out of a magazine, Rifle Paper Company sells the area’s most stylish stationery, cards, journals, and wallpaper. The husband and wife duo behind the store work with Florida printers and hand-assemble their products for the best quality possible. They also sell embroidered pillows that are perfect for your new Saatva mattress.
Rifle Paper Company: 558 W New England Ave #150
Where to eat and drink
Prato
Ask anyone where to eat in Winter Park, and Prato will be the first word out of their mouth. Its seasonal menu offers up Italian food classics like diavola pizza, spaghettini cacio e pepe, and a killer olive oil cake. There’s always a line out the door, so we suggest making a reservation for their outdoor patio.
Prato: 124 N Park Ave
Briarpatch
This go-to brunch spot has been a Winter Park staple since 1980. Come for the homemade raspberry lemon pancakes and short rib eggs benedict, and stay for the mimosas made with fresh Florida oranges. They don’t take reservations, so line up early for a spot here.
Briarpatch: 252 N Park Ave #3814
VINIA Wine & Kitchen
Vinia is a date night favorite for couples who love good wine and even better company. Owners Paula and Fabio cook an Italian-inspired menu from scratch with tons of vegetarian options. They also offer diners an ever-changing set menu and wine pairing perfect for a special occasion.
VINIA Wine & Kitchen: 444 W New England Ave #119
Soseki Modern Omakase
Meaning “chef’s choice” in Japanese, omakase is a multi-course sushi experience showcasing only the highest-quality ingredients. Soseki’s Michelin star certainly proves they slice up the finest Florida seafood and produce served on locally made ceramics. With just 10 seats available, booking well in advance is necessary but worth it.
Soseki Modern Omakase: 955 W Fairbanks Ave
The Ravenous Pig
We recommend honoring the restaurant’s name and rocking up ravenous to this chic gastropub meets brewery. Locally owned and operated, the married team behind this restaurant has been semi-finalists for the James Beard Award for seven years. The menu changes daily based on the availability of ingredients and typically includes items like roasted bone marrow and steak frites.
The Ravenous Pig: 565 W Fairbanks Ave
Where else to spend time
On the water
Hop aboard a boat and glide through the canals that connect Winter Park’s six lakes. Scenic Boat Tours has been cruising these waters since 1938. Leaving every hour on the hour, travelers can climb on their pontoon boat and listen to local stories and tips from knowledgeable guides.
Museum hop
There are four museums to peruse in Winter Park: the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, Winter Park Historical Museum, and Rollins Museum of Art at Rollins College. If you only have time for one, then we recommend a visit to Rollins College, where its Mediterranean architecture, art museum, and 80-acre campus make it one of the country’s most beautiful colleges.
FAQs
Why is Winter Park famous?
In the late 1800s, wealthy Northerners spent their winters in Winter Park, growing citrus and escaping the harsh winter. Today, it’s a quaint Orlando suburb filled with fantastic restaurants, artisan shops, museums, and outdoor activities.
Is Winter Park, Florida, worth visiting?
Absolutely. This charming lake town is an ideal respite from Orlando’s theme parks. Its award-winning restaurants, beautiful parks, and unique architecture are a few of the reasons travelers and Floridians rave about Winter Park.
Check out our additional travel guides for advice on how to spend the day near our other Viewing Rooms:
- Washington, DC’s Logan Circle
- San Francisco’s Union Square
- West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- New York City’s Upper East Side
- Boston’s Back Bay
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park
- Dallas’s Uptown
- Charlotte’s South Park
- Portland’s Pearl District
- Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square
- Seattle’s University Village
- San Diego’s La Jolla
